System for treating, distributing, and conveying air in internal combustion engines



Nov. 25, 1941.

c. FUNDERBURK 2,264,133 SYSTEM FOR TREATING, DISTRIBUTING, AND CONVEYING AIR IN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES v Filed Aug. 30, 1939 10 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR f gZ.

TTORNEY Nov. 25, 1941.

o. c. FUNDERBURK 2,264,133 SYSTEM FOR TREATING, DISTRIBUTING, AND CONVEYING AIR IN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES Filed Aug. 30, 1939 10 Sheets-Sheet 3 & 4 N N N N N a lg IINVENTOR' ATTORNEY Nov. 25, 1941. c, FUN-D EATING, DIST ERBURK 2,264,133 SYSTEM FOR TR RIBUTING, AND CONVEYING AIR IN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES Filed Aug. :50, 19:59

10 Sheets-Sheet 5 ATTORNEY NOV. 25, 1941. Q, Q FUNDERBURK 7 2,264,133 SYSTEM FOR TREATING, DISTRIBUTING, AND CONVEYING N ENGINES AIR IN INTERNAL COMBUSTIO Filed Aug. 50, 1959 10 Sheets-Sheet 6 INVENTOR I BY I I'TTORNEY Nov. 25, 1941. o. c. FUNDERBURK I 2,264,133

' SYSTEM FOR TREATING, DISTRIBUTING, AND CONVEYING VAIR IN INTERNAL CQMBUSTION ENGINES Filed Aug. 30,1939 l0 Sheets-Sheet 7 my 1v 4 w nky INVENTOR @nmn \mm M ATTORNEY Nov. 25, 1941. o. c. FUNDERBURK 2,264,133

SYSTEM FOR TREATING, DISTRIBUTING, AND CONVEYING I AIR IN ES INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGIN Filed Aug. 30, 1939 10 Sheets-Sheet 8 EX-Fm ATTORNEY 25, 1 4 o. c. FUNDERBURK 2,264,133

SYSTEM FOR TREATING, DISTRIBUTING, AND CONVEYING AIR IN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES Filed Aug. 30, 1939 10 Sheets-Sheet 9 F' fly LJ 0 164 INVENTOR 4 mac/wh il): [0 9"; BY L :V' 6' 4 ATTORNEY Nov. 25, 1941.

' o. c. FUNDERBURK 2,264,133 SYSTEM FOR TREATING, DISTRIBUTING, AND CONVEYING AIR IN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES Filed Aug. 30, 1939 10 Sheets-Sheet 1O ATTORNEY Patented Nov. 25, 1941 SYSTEM FOR TREATING, DISTRIBUTING,

AND CONVEYING AIR 1N INTERNAL COM- BUSTION ENGINES Otis O. Funderburk, Weston, Mass, assignor, by

mesne assignments, to Kane Carburetor Corporation of Delaware, Wilmington, DeL, a corporation of Delaware Application August 30, 1939, Serial No. 292,580

8 Claims. (01. 123 1.2L2)

This invention relates to a method and apparatus for. treating, distributing and conveying air in anf internal combustion engine, and particularly for so directing and preheating the required air as to render it adaptable for heating, cooling, atomizing, emulsifying and combustion purposes.

It is within the contemplation of my invention to effectuate a quick rise in the temperature of the air supply for the carbureting and gasifying system, and to thereby reduce to a marked degree the long warming up periods necessary in common practice withlconventional systems. And in this aspect of my invention it is hence also an object to 'efiect a quick starting of the engine upon the cranking thereof, as well as to permit such prompt starting without the necessity ofrestricting the air flow as is the common practice with the conventional choke mechanisms employed on most carbureting systems. r

This invention also has for one of its main objectives the efiicient utilization of the heat in the combustion chamber as well as that in-the exhaust manifold to preheat a predetermined portion of the air drawn into the engine, thereby increasing the thermal efliciency of the motor by eliminating the usual heat losses occurring in conventional engines due to the dissipation of heat to the Water jacket through the combustion chambers, particularly when water temperatures are low. And it is also an object of my'invention to enable relatively high compression ratios to be employed with average fuels.

It is also within the contemplation of my invention to enable a wide range of fuels, from solvents and other heavy hydrocarbons to relatively volatile fuels, to be eifectively carbureted or gasifled, and also to permit the ready gasification of low gravity hydrocarbon fuels for starting purposes without the employment of flame or other dangerous heating expedients.

Another object of my invention'is to provide a system of r so receiving, confining and distributing air directly from the atmosphere asto enable it to be thoroughly cleansed, and then directed, while still unheated and before being diverted to other paths, along-the intake manifold, thereby maintaining the manifold at a substantially uniform temperature throughout the extent thereof, and keeping it relatively cool for high engine volumetric efficiencies. And it is my further purpose to attain this objective with the aid of a simple, compact and readily installed air cleaner of relatively low center of gravity, and hence not subject to the lateral vibrations and dangerous stresses prevalent in the conventional drum type of air cleaner mounted ontop of the' carburetor, particularly in the so-called floating power designs. And in this aspect of my invention it is a further object to provide easier pas I sage of the air from the cooling fan than is possible with conventional air cleaner structures, an objective which is accomplished bythe reduction of the obstructions in the slip stream from the fan due to the low disposition and smooth 'configuration of the cleaner, with a resulting enhanced efficacy of the cooling system. And it is still another object to employ the air cleaner structure to muille the action of the gasifying system, for silent operation.

Another object of my invention is to eliminate vapor-lock or stratification of the gasoline va-, pors prevalent in conventional carbureting systems, particularly under high temperature and high altitude conditions, an objective which I attain by shielding the intake manifold from the direct action of the fan and by employing relatively cool air in circulation substantially surrounding the entire manifold for preventing such a condition. Further prevention of vapor-lock is obtained by floatless fuel-lift supply system which provides for the fuel leading to the gasifier to be in constant motion and hence is delivered to the metering system without being arrested in its movementfrom the supply tank by valves such as are used in conventional carburetor float chambers that materially add to stratification? or vapor-lock in the'fuel supply'stream; My system has no valves in the fuel supply system from the metering pins to the supply tank, hence no chance of vapor pressures being locked in the supply system 'as aforementioned; Furthermore, by not having any fuel in storage in the car bureting system, heat from the engine is prevented from penetrating and saturating the said fuel supply.

'Still a further object of this invention is to provide a controlled emulsified fuel charge for starting, warming up, idling and part-throttle purposes, and to thereby accomplish several additional objectives, including a simple control for varying the richness of the fuel charge without cutting or restricting the primary air supply and preventing freezing of parts in the carbureting system such as occurs frequently in internal combustion motors, particularly aeronautical engines.

It is also within the contemplation of my invention to sodirect and treat the air flowin through the system asto enable fuel to be lifted, in controlled manner, directly from the gas tank without the use of a carburetor float bowl or similar reservoir.

Other objects, features and advantages will appear from the drawings and the description hereinafter given.

Referring to the drawings,

Figure 1 is a fragmentary, transverse, vertical section of a V type internal combustlon engine containing my invention, the specific design illustrated being a Ford V-8- engi-ne--the-sectionbeing taken through the cylinder nearest the radiator on the right bank, looking rearwardly towards the air cleaner and the dash.

Figure 2 is a bottom view oftheaircleaner' casing of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a fragmentary vertical longitudinal section taken substantially along line 3-3 of Figure 1, this view showing one section of the multiple-Venturi gasifying system employed in my invention, and a portion of the primary Venturi starting system.

Figure 4 is a fragmentary transverse vertical section of Figure 3 taken substantially along k-fi.

Figure 5 is: a'parti'al' plan view'of the engine illustrated in Figures 1 and 3 with the air cleaner casing removed.

Figured is a semi-diagrammatic development of the engine illustrated, showing the intake manifold with the gasifyi'ng system thereover, the cylinder heads, and the exhaust preheating system, and illustrating the flow of heat-emitting and heat-transmitting fluids therethrough.

Figure 7 is a schematic representation of the mixture control button on the instrument panel and its connection with the battery circuit and theiemulsifying air lever.

Figure 8' is a plan view of a cylinder head of the structure illustrated and which is positioned over one bank of four cylinders.

Figure 9 is a transverse section of the cylinder head taken substantially along line 9-9 of Figure'l.

Figure 10 is a part elevation, part section of Figure: 9" along line III-4U.

Figure 1 1 is a fragmentary transverse section of a slightly modified form of cylinder head, the section being taken substantially along line 9 4! of Figure l,-similar to that of Figure 9'.

Figure 12 is asection of Figure 9 taken along line t2--l-2.

Figure l3isa section of Figure 9 taken along line [3-43.

Figure I4 is a fragmentary section of Figure 9 taken along line [4-44.

Figure 15 is a fragmentary section of" Figure 9 taken along line l5-| 5.

Figure 16 is a side elevation of the primary Venturi and anterior throttle valve casing positioned upon the intake manifold, the. view being taken substantially along line l6'--l-6 of Figure 5;

Figure l7 is a sectional plan view of Figure 16 taken along line l'l-l I.

Figure 18 is afragmentary sectional plan of Figure lfitaken along line. l8-l8.

Figure. 19 isa fragmentary section of Figure 1'7 taken along line l9--l9.,

Figure. 20 is afragmentary section of Figure 17 taken. substantially along, line 2920.

Figure 21 is a, schematic perspective view of the anterior throttle system shown operatively associated with the main multiple-Venturi as sembly; the. throttle fluid dash pot, the accelerator pedal, and" connecting control linkage.

Figure 22 is a fragmentary side View of the throttle valve lever assembly of Figure 21.

Figure 23 is a vertical sectional view of the fiuid dash pot construction of Figure 21.

Figure 24 is a sectional plan view of Figure 23 taken along line 24-24.

Figure 25 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical section of the device of Figure 24.

Figure 26 is a rear view of the assembly of preheated air inlet and main metering inlet block.

Figure ,27 is a fragmentary plan view of Figure 26. Z

Figure 28 is a section of Figure 27 taken substantially along line 2828.

Figure 29 is a fragmentary side view of Figure 27.

Figure 30 is a section of Figure 27 taken substantially along line 3B30, and

Figure 31 is a fragmentary vertical section of Figure 27 taken along line 3 l3l.

The system constituting my invention contemplates the introduction into an internal combustion engine of atmospheric air through an air cleaner casing and intake manifold assembly of special construction, whereby the air drawn in will be confined along predetermined paths to enable it to perform its various intended functions during its passage to the cylinders. After the air is cleansed by the metallic foil in the air cleaner, as will be more specifically hereinafter set forth, a substantial portion of it' is first distributed throughout the entire intake manifold before being directed to other points, the air being confined within a reservoir formed by the peripheral walls of the manifold cooperating with the walls of the air cleanser. A portion of the air in the reservoir is directed into a multiple- Venturi gasifier, substantiallyin accordance with the structure described in U. S. Patent No. 2,102,800 granted December 21, 193'7,tobe admixed with previously vaporized fuel, forming a gaseous combustible fluid which is directed by suitable conduits to the intake valves of the engine. Another portion of the air circulating within the intake manifold casing is directed through suitable channels to special forms of cylinder heads provided with water jackets and air passageways. The aforesaid air is conveyed through these air passageways to absorb some of the heat from the combustion chambers of the cylinders therebelow, thereby becoming partially preheated. The air temperature is further increased by conducting this preheated air through heat transfer apparatus associated with the exhaust manifolds of the engine. This highly heated air is then conveyed back to the intake manifold casing where it is diverted into two paths, one being through the multiple-tube Venturi system above referred to for combining with the liquid fuel drawn up through a suitable fuel line, and the other path being through a conduit leading to the primary starting system. This last mentioned stream of air is adapted, under certain conditions, to be further heated by an electric heating element; thereafter the air is directed downwardly through th primary Venturi system to lift the fuel from an auxiliary fuel line and admix therewith,-the highly gasified mixture being then drawn directly into the intake manifold conduits and into the intake valves. Provision is also made for the controlled introduction of a portion of the preheated air into a passageway for combining with the liquid fuel coming from the said auxiliary fuel'line', to

form an emulsion of hot air and the liquid fuel which is ultimately led into the said primary Venturi system,-'-with advantages to be hereinafter set forth.

Having above describedthe operation of the system constituting my invention in general terms, I will now describe more specifically the apparatus of my invention for enabling the steps above referred to to be efiectuated.

In the drawings, and referring particularly to Figures 1 to 4 inclusive, the air cleaner casing is substantially of rectangular cross section with the roof and corners thereof of arcuate and curved configuration. This air cleaner is of relatively low height, being shown lower than the electric generator 3| disposed forwardly thereof, thereby constituting considerably less obstruction to the passage of the air from the radiator fan than is possible with the conventional drum type of air cleaner,the smooth and curved contour of the air cleaner enhancing this effect. The air cleaner casing is held in place by bolt means 200 extending through the top thereof and operatively connected with the unit l I! to be hereinafter described. At the rear of the air c eaner is the breather pipe 32 and the passageway 33 for admitting lubricating oil through aperture 34 into the crank-case of the engine. The air cleaner 30 is further provided with rearwardly opening louvres 35 for receiving the air from the atmosphere, this air passing through metallic foil 36 held in place by the wire screening 31,- the entire air cleaner casing resting upon a circumferential gasket 38 surmounted upon the upper peripheral wall 39 of the intake manifold cas- I ing 40. In the preferred construction, the lower peripheral terminal edge 4! of the air cleaner casing is of channel-like structure to properly accommodate the said gasket 38. The inner wall of the air cleaner casing 30 is also provided with layers of heat-insulating and sound-absorbing material 42, said layers being secured in place by the fastening elements 43,-this material serving to render the operation of the carbureting system silent as well as thermally protected.

The intake manifold casing 40 contains a lateral wall 44 completely surrounding the interior of the manifold to provide an air reservoir, so that all the air drawn in through the lcuvres 35 of the air cleaner will be kept confined within the walls of the cleaner casing 30 and the walls 44 of the intake manifold, to be subsequently diverted to other paths in the manner hereinafter set forth. Cast integral with the casing of the intake manifold are two conduits leading to the intake valves of the engine, the upper conduit 45 leading to the two center cylinders on the right bank and the two end cylinders on the left bank and the lower conduit 46 leading to the two center cylinders on the left bank and to the two end cylinders on the right bank, Extending transversely across substantially the central portion of the intake manifold casing 40 and joining the upper portions of the longitudinal lateral walls 44 thereof is the connecting wall or flange 41 (see Figures 3, 5 and 6) containing two ports 48 and 49 (see Figure 4) communicating with the upper and lower intake manifold conduits 45 and 46 respectively. As will be hereinafter set forth, the two ports are adapted to receive the gasified fuel stream both from the multiple-Venturi system and the primary Venturi system above referred to, whereby such streams will pass directly to the intake valves of the engine.

The opposite longitudinally extending lateral walls 44 of the intake manifold casing 40 con tain, preferably below the said flange 41, air outlets 50 and 5| .(see Figures 4 and 6), which communicate with the inlets 52 and 53 of the cylinder heads 54 and 55 respectively. These inlets communicate with longitudinal passages 56 and 51 respectively (Figure 6), the former commu nicating with the transverse air passageways 58, 59, (iii, and BI and the latter with corresponding air passageways 62, 63, 64 and 65,these passageways all being disposed directly above the combustion chambers represented by the general reference numeral 66. Each one of the air.

passageways contains fins or ribs generally designated as 61, and clearly shown particularly in Figure 9. The intermediate portions of these air passageways are of enlarged proportions, providing zones of low velocity and relatively large heat-transmitting surfaces, for increased heatabsorbing efficiency. The outlets of the air passageways of cylinder head 54 operatively communicate with the heat exchange unit 68, and the corresponding outlets of the air passageways of cylinder head 55 communicate with the heat exchange unit 69; Both of these heat exchange units conduct therethrough the exhaust gases from the cylinders, the heat thereof being conducted through intervening heat transmitting walls to the air currents from the cylinder heads as aforesaid.

The particular forms of units disclosed represent merely two of various other possible devices to serve this purpose, it being understood that this invention is not limited to the two forms shown in the drawings. The heat unit 68 receives from the exhaust manifold associated therewith through openings 141) the burnt gases which flow through the spaces 10 between the outer casing of the unit 68 and the inner casing carrying the heat-receiving air, and out H through opening 140. The path of the air is illustrated by arrows, the air passing through the tubular casing H constructed with a return bend and having therein a plurality of ribs or radiating fins 12. At the opposite end is the heat exchange unit 65, as aforesaid, the form illustrated containing a plurality of tubes 13 conducting therein the hot exhaust gases entering the unit from the adjacent exhaust manifold through the openings 14a and leaving through opening M. The exhaust outlets I4 and are connected to suitable piping leading to the muffier, the specific arrangement not being illustrated as it is well-known in the art. The air from the transverse passageways of cylinder head 55 follows the course indicated by the arrows of Figure 6, entering the tubes on one side of the baiiie f5, emerging into the compartment I5 and then pursuing a return course through the remaining tubes as indicated. The. air streams from both preheating units are then directed by suitable pipes H towards the intake manifold casing, both streams of air being Siamesed through the Y portion ?8 shown as an integral portion of the intake manifold casing.

It should be noted that the cylinder heads 54 and 55 are constructed to permit the operative passage therethrough not only of air, but also of water. Referring to Figures 9 and 10, the air from inlet 52 is divided into several parts, the ducts i9 and 30 being adapted to receive through the openings 8| and 82, respectively, certain por- 4 aaegies tions of this airto convey such portions tothe passageways 58 and BI respectively, the=remain-' der of the air from inlet 52 flowing-directly into thepassageways 59- and 60; And byreferring to Figures- I','I2; 13', 14 and 1'5,,it will be observed that passageways for water are also provided; these being designated by the reference numerals 83, 84, 85, 86', 81' and 88. Only fragmentary portions. of the water jackets, however; are'disposedover the combustion chambers, these high: temperature regions being reserved primarily for the air passageways, for reducing the warming upperiod, increasing the thermal efficiency, and for the'other'reasons herein set forth.

And again referring particularly to Figures 8 and 9, it will be observed that the bosses generallyclesignated by the reference numeral 89 are adopted to receive therethrough suitable studs for attaching the cylinder heads to the engine block. The depressed portions 99 contain threaded apertures 81 therein for receiving the spark plugs.

The modification of Figure 11 may at this time be referred to as merely representing a slight departure from the structure of Figure 9. Here to tubular elements 92' of insulating material are inserted in the ducts l9 and B0, to prevent a cooling of the air before entering the transverse passageways in the cylinder head. In all other respects-this form of my invention is similar to that of Figure 9'.

Referring again to the path of the air after leaving the heat exchange units 54 and 55 and entering the intake manifold casing 40, a portion of this air is directed into the multiple-Venturigasifying system above referred to, and another portion is Icy-passed towards the primary Venturi system for supplying a combustible mixture to the engine for starting, partial throttle and idling purposes. In order to enable the action and efiectof the air from this point on to be fully understood, it will be necessary to describe the arrangement of the said Venturi systems.

In the particular form of my invention as illustrated, a dual set of multiple venturis is employed whereby each set operatively feeds two cylinders on one bank and two cylinders on the other bank of the engine-this arrangement constituting the main mixing chamber. It is understood, however, that the cylinders may be fed any other sequence of suction on either bank, within the scope of this invention. A detailed operation of the two Venturi conduits 93 and 94 will not be attempted here, inasmuch as its oper ation is fully set forth and described in said Patent No. 2,102,800. Suffice it to say that each set consists of a plurality of successively expanding overlapping Venturi tubes, the overlapped terminals of each tube being disposed within a predetermined portion of the throat of the overlapping tube, certain of the terminals being serrated. The overlapping arrangement is such as to provide circumferential gaps between adjacent venturis to permit the introduction of air for interpenetration and thorough admixture with the atomized fuel streams within the conduits. Both setsof venturis are suitably mounted within a housing 95, being supported by pedestals 96 secured by screw means 91 to the base of the housing; The upper portion of the housing 95 contains an inlet duct 98 for supplying air to the circumferential gaps of said multiple-venturis, said duct having therein a rotatably mounted valve 99,this valve being preferably mounted off-center and normally kept closed by yieldable means tobe hereinafter d'escrilcled', and being hence adapted to be opened only under themfiuence of the engine suction; and" the outlet end of the housing isprovided with-two=outlet ports IOU-and I M.

Extending through the opening-I 02-at the'rear of the housing are the main Venturi fuel nozzles I03, to be more fully hereinafter de= scribed,the terminal portion of each of these nozzles extending into the corresponding first venturi tub'e I'M (Figure 3). The nozzles I03 are suitably supported within the block I05 which contains thereon a chamber I fl'iihousing certain metering apparatus for controlling the flow of the liquid fuel into the nozzles I03; as will be more fullyhereinafter set forth. The chamber III'G' is also provided with a protecting cap IIlT-asillustrated. Said block I95 contains therein the pasageway I08 for the liquid fuel from main-fuel line I87 (see Figures 3; 28), the liquid fuel being'conductedi as' will hereinafter appear; to. the annular chamber IDS-in each Vent-urinozzle I93; from which it is drawn into the region-of the throat of the nozzle-by the depression prevalent therein d'uetQ engine suction; The details ofthenozzles I 03 are similar to primary nozzles IE5 and I26, and these together with the specific metering arrangement will be later referred to and'described in greater detail for clarifying the operation of this device. 7

Attached to the rear of block I05 is the fitting I'I Il (Figures 3, 5" and 26) which at the lower flanged terminal I'II thereof communicates with the aforesaid Y portions I8 of the intake manifold casing to permit the entrance of the air fromlthe aforesaid exhaust preheater units. The saidifitting also contains a second'outlet II2which communi'cates with a-tubular by-pass forming part of the housing unit 95'and extending longitudinally therealong, as clearly shown in Figure. 5.. It will be noted that'the said block I05 is, separated; from the-casing 95"andthe fitting H9 by'gaskets IN and I15.

The conduit housing 95 terminates at the forward end thereof in a flange II6 the. entire face thereof being preferably in one plane. as shown in Figure 5-2 Bolted on to this flangeand suitably supported upon the horizontal wall 41'. of the intake manifold casing is the primary mixing chamber and throttle valve unit II'I, shown in Figures 3 and 16 to 20. This unit serves nu;- merous purposes, including the support of suitably controlled unbalanced throttle valves within passages for admitting intothe intake manifold conduits 45 and 46 the gasified fuel stream from the aforesaid main multiple-Venturi system; the creation of a sufiicient depression, under the' direct influence of the intake manifold suction, to introduce into the engine a gasified combustible mixture at the instant of starting; to preheat for starting purposes sufficient quantities of previously heated'air to insure combustion; to provide for quick heating of the said primary mixture chamber by the direct action of the exhaust gases passing through a heat bridge; and to enable a manual" control of the richness of the starting mixture to be readily effectuated without restricting the supply of air.

The by-pass II'3- communicates'directly with the duct H8 in the unit I I1, this duct joining and communicating with the transversely disposed air channel H9 in said unit, such juncture being shownin Figure 5 The inner wall of channel I I9 is lined with suitable insulating material I20 and contains therein the electric heating element I2I, which is connected by suitable conducting means, including the wire I22 (Figure 4), to the battery and starting mixture control button I68,the circuit being shown in Figure 7 and hereinafter described. The auxiliary air channel II9 contains in the lower wall thereof two openings I23 and I24 from which extend the two auxiliary venturis I25 and I26, these being disposed within the ducts I27 and I26 respectively, the ducts being in registry with the openings 49 and 43 and hence in communication with the intake passageways 45 and 46 of the intake manifold.

Each of the auxiliary venturis I25 and I26 is substantially similar to the Venturi construction of nozzle I03, and comprises an inlet portion I29 and an outlet portion I30, both of said portions being of conical configuration with the apical portions in proximate but spaced relation thereby providing in the region of the throat thereof a gap I3I. Surrounding this throat region is an annular chamber I32 containing a plurality of apertures I33 which communicate with another annular chamber I34 into which the fuel inlet duct I35 extends. Hence fuel operatively introduced into the annular chamber I34 will be drawn through the apertures I33 into the annular chamber I32, and thence through the gap I3! at the throat of the Venturi downwardly towards the intake manifold. The preheated air entering the inlets I23 and I24 creates a considerable depression in the throat of each of these venturis,the depression being sufficient to draw in the auxiliary fuel from the fuel line I36 leading directly to the fuel tank. Due to the highly preheated state of the air entering the auxiliary venturis I25 and I26, a very thorough vaporization of the liquid fuel is effected, thereby insuring ignition in the cylinders. And to assure starting without flooding the manifold under the comparatively unfavorable conditions of a cold engine, and to provide for smooth idling operation, my invention further controls the flow of the air and gases as will hereinafter be explained.

For the purpose of initial starting, liquid fuel for the unit H1 is conveyed through the auxiliary fuel line I36 to the inlet channel I31 which intersects the chambers I38 and I39, the latter communicating with the two primary venturis -I25 and I26 through the jets I40 and I4l and the two channels both identified by the reference numeral I35. The said, jets I40 and I4I are threaded within their respective chambers I38 and I39, and are replaceable so as to present restricted passageways I44 and I45 of such dimensions as may be suitable under the circumstances. The channels I35 are preferably in tangential relation with respect to the annular chambers I34 surrounding the throats of the nozzle so as to facilitate the entrance of the fuel therein.

Extending within and in threaded engagement with the walls of the two emulsion air ducts I46 within the body of unit I H are the threaded stems I41, each of these carrying a needle valve thereover, said coupling and associated gears being rotatable to raise and lower the valve pins I48, through the medium of a knurled knob I53 (see Figure 3), mounted on a shaft I54 extending through the air cleaner casing 30. Said shaft extends downwardly into the axial aperture I55 in the said head I52 and is maintained in fixed relation thereto by the pin I56 extending through the slot I51 in said head. Yieldably urged outwardly by spring I98 from the body of the unit H1 is the lock pawl I99 in engagement with the teeth of gear I5I to retain it in its projected position, and also to enable the extent of rotary movement of knob I53 to be determined, in wellknown and conventional manner.

Both of said air ducts I46 are connected to the transverse air-bleed channel I58 (Figure 17) which'communicate with the valve member I59 (Figure 19) positioned Within the air duct I60. Communicating between air duct I60 and the auxiliary air channel H9 is the passageway I6I; and positioned within the duct I60 is the needle valve pin I62 normally kept in its open position with respect to valve seat at I59 by the normal position of the mixture control button I68 to be hereinafter described. This button or manual control on the instrument board is operatively'connected with the lever I63 (Figures '7, 16 and 17) affixed to shaft I64 upon which is mounted the pinion I65 engageable with the rack I66 carrying the said valve pin I62. The spring I61 serves to take up the backlash between gear membersd65 and I66. 7

In the operation of the primary mixing chamber of unit In, preheated air enters auxiliary air channel H9, as aforesaid, and is directed downwardly'through the auxiliary venturis I25 and I26, thereby causing a depression in the throats of these venturis, under the direct infiuence of the vacuum in the intake manifold, and in this manner drawing up the hydrocarbon fuel through the fuel line I36, into the chambers I38 and I39, and through the jets I40 and MI. Inasmuch as the valve member I59 is normally unobstructed and open, the preheated air coursing through the channel II9 also enters through passageway I6I and valv member I59 into the transverse air channel I58, to be drawn down through the emulsion air ducts I46 and through the valves I49,,thereafter to be directed through channels I35 into the annular chambers I34of the venturis I25 and I26, out through the apertures I33, and down said venturis to mix with the air flowing downward through the throats of the venturis. It will thus be noted that under these conditions, instead of hydracarbon in the usual liquidform being introduced into the mixture stream, an emulsion of heated air and the fuel is introduced into the venturis. My invention for providing idling and starting mixture enhances atomization and because'there is no 7 fuel by-passed' through small orifices around'the thottle as is done in conventional carburetors;

freezing up of the throttles in certain atmospheric conditions is prevented. When the throttles are wide open and intake manifold vacuum drops to a low value, fuel stops emitting from the auxiliary venturis I25 and I26 and the emulsified hot air as well as the hot air passing through the throat of the said venturis keeps these units at a high degree of temperature. When the throttle is closed from wide open position, and the intake manifold vacuum rises to a higher. value, the said venturis'begin to discharge fuel, and being heated as above described,

.6 assists immediate atomization :and :gasification .of the fuel ensues, thus preventing the formation-cf ice on the periphery of the throttle yalves 115 (Figure 3) and causing them to freeze against the throttle bore which commonly occurs in conventional carburetors at this cycle of operation. The .said venturis I25 and I25 having their discharge .portions 130 pointing downwardly and ahead oranterior to the throttles I515 in thecombustion mixture conduits 48 and 4B are thus fed with a combustible mixture, not having to pass the periphery of the said throttle valves |-15,-'-.in this way eliminating .;th e ihfluard of freezing or forming ice coating on the periphery of the said throttle plates.

In controlling the idling fueldischarge on an anterior throttle type carburetor, it is ,desirable to air-bleed the fuel discharge jet to eliminate sensitiveness of adjustment and the necessity for extremely small diameter orifices. By-referring to the Figures 13-20 it will be found zthat rnyinvention eliminates the obj ections wit tional carburetor. The said jets ref H I designated by the reference numer ls *I-AO and MI, and the air bleed system by the reference numerals M8 and 1549. With :the construction above-described, the bleeding of the ,air through channels I35 when the valve 159 is :openwillcbviously decrease the suction pull .at the threats of the jets I40 and M1, thereby obviating the possibility of a flooding of :the intake manifold. And obviously'by properadj-ustmentsof zthe iualyes M9 and I59, the pull on the fuel .flowingithmll h the said jets can be controlled'asnesired.

During the starting of the motor, the mixture controlbutton I68 on the instrument panel (Fig: ure 7-) may be pulled out, thereby pulling the link "9 in the direction of the arrow to rotatably actuate the lever N53 to bring :the needle .valve pin H52 from its open position of Figure 19:110- wards its closed position. When :thisi'occurs, the amount of emulsifying air being admitted forladmixture with the liquid fuel is accordingly decreased, thereby proportionately increasing the amount of-liquid fuel introduced into the Men.- tur-is i2 5 and 12 6. This however does ,no-taiiect the amount of air being introducedlfromthehot airchannel H9 through the outlets ll23'lasnd L24 into the auxiliary venturis 1 25 and JIZG fi-the only air that is out oifbeing the so-ealled em11'l- =1.

si'fying -a-i-r above-referred to. This is hence :distinctively different from the conventional .o'hoke control whereby the air is practically shut off .to cause over-rich conditions.

Ihe arrangement is such that when' the lmixture control button I 68 on-the instrument panel is fully pulled out, the pin 1-62 will completely close the valve 159, and at the same time the circuit through the heating element I21 and the battery Willbe closed. This is effectuated by the engagement of the lug with the lever 18] :of the switch [-82 in the circuit. This obviously causes a further heating of the air coursing through channel H9 and entering the said prirnary venturis. Hence, when it is desired to start a cold engine under adverse conditions, :the' said button I 68 is pulled out to its fullestextent, thereby enabling undiluted and iunemulsified liquid fuel to be introduced into the Venturi system, together with extremely preheated The amount of preheatedair required to produce this resultis'relatively small, and hence the amount of electrical-energy consumed .over the short period of time thecircuit is closed is not excessive.

It has been found that inasmuch as the venemul ifying duct I45.

5 range.

turis -l-'an'd I 25 are subjected to thedirect influence of the intake manifold depressions and not to depressions that'are prevalent in carburetors (as with some conventional designs), there is sufficient suction through the auxiliary jets I40 and MI to enable a considerable hydrostatic fuel-lift to be efiectuated thus dispensing with need for auxiliary means :of supplying .fuel to the auxiliary Venturi system through fuel line (I36. When, however, particularly during the starting or idling operation of the engine the depression in the intake manifold should decrease, a pulling out of the mixture control button Hi8 will cause, as aforesaid, a-shutting off of the emulsifying air and consequently produce an increased suction on the fuel flowing through the jets I40 and I4], thereby making it-possible at all times, under the most adverse conditions, to effect a suflicient hydrostatic fuel-lift for practical purposes through the auxiliary venturis. It should however be noted that the fuel lift ,ar- .rangement in the throttle body unit H1 is primar-ily used for starting a ,motor. Brovision is made for enriching the mixture for this purpose and for warming up the engine as aforesaid.

Should need arise in operation of .the engine ,to increase the hydrostatic ,fuel-iifit, suction .on the fuel feed line I36 is proportionately increased by pulling out the button 168 on the instrument panel (Figure 7) which actuates themetering needle 162 (Figure 19) closing off the aperture in seat l, 5 9,, thus causing ,a restriction in the air .flgw from atmosphere through passage 1-51 {thence through passage 15.8, communicating with The degree of the suction efieotuated is determined ;by the position of the valve 1 62 in the valve seat I59, thus effectuatinga hydrostatic rise in the fuel olumn r si-ne throu h fuel line [36, thence through pass ge 13]., auxiliary iets 141) and Mil and 'ventur-is 42,5 and 1126. The ,auxiliary'venturis l25arrdi26 further serve as the idling discharge nozzles and continue discharging hydrocarbon fuel in the intake mixture throughout a partial throttle The degree and period of this discharge is determined by .the intake manifold depression and the differential in the size of the orifices in the auxiliary fuel lets Hi and 1M, and the apertures presented in the annularsbetvueen the metering needles M8 and the needle seats M9 (Figure 20:). The fuel from line .1287 rfur t e multiple venturis constituting ithe main ieasify-ing system would .at all times be supplied by the ar rangement of jets, metering and Venturii nozzles associated with block 1-0.5 at the inlet to the multiple 'Venturi system, herein-after again re,- ferred $0. The system can he so designed, in a cordance with my invention, thatbelowia certain predetermined intake .manifold depression, the auxiliary fuel supply from line 136 will be cut oil, and fuelsupplied only through the main easilying system .fromtline 1:81; .and it has been noted that in actual practice the .pull on the main fuel line I87 remains practically constant after can tainspeeds are reached, regardless :of subsequent increase :in intake manifold depressions.

On conventional dual carburetors, difficulty has been experienced :in synchronizing the ;respective idling adjustments. My invention movides a means for keeping the said :idling ad. justments in synchronism by the medium :of gears I which are 'meshedwith pinion gear 125.1; The adjusting knob .153 engages pinion gear 1:51 through shaft I254, coupling Hand-pin 15.6, (Figure :3). When knob [53 is rotated gears 4:50,

move in unison, thus synchronizing the adjustment of the needle valves I48 in valve seats I43, thereby efiecting the depression or suction in passages I35 and auxiliary fuel jets I40 and MI.

For initial idling setting, each adjustment can be set separately. This is accomplished by removal of the hexagon nut 206, air cleaner cover 30, backing. out lock-screw 215 lifting pinion gear II upward out of mesh or engagement with gears I50. This allows a rotative movement of each threaded stem I41 and needle valves I46 for separate idling setting for each throttle valve I15. When this setting is made, pinion gear I5I is meshed in engagement with the respective gears I50 and lock-screw 215 is screwed on, thus keeping the said pinion I5I meshed in engagement with the said gears I56. Thereafter, any rotative movement of pinion gear I5I will move gears I50 in unison. This is an important feature of my invention as the idling adjustments for venturis I25 and I26 can be set on a flowbench or a motor at the time of the manufacture of the carburetor or gasifier and synchronized as above described, thus assuring identical idling settings when the device is attached to the motor on which it is to be used. It is especially beneficial in motors of the V-type wherein one carburetor throttle controls the flow of combustible intake mixtureto some cylinders on one bank and to other cylinders on the opposite bank of the engine, as is the case with the,Ford V-8 engine referred to in this specification. By synchronization of the flow of combustible intake mixture through the anterior throttle discharge Venturi nozzles I25 and I26 referred to above, a more uniform ratio of fuel to air is obtained not only in the idle adjustment setting but part throttle operation as well. This results in smoother running ofthe engine.

To insure quick warming up of the throttle body unit II1 (Figure 17) and for smooth running in normal operation of the engine, an exhaust jacket or heat bridge I69 surrounds the lower portion of the said throttle body unit II1.

This so-called jacket or heat bridge contains a l passageway I10 (see Figures 3, 4, 6 and connecting through the ports III and I12 in the wall 41 in the intake nianifold,these ports communicating directly with the ports I13 and I14 of the exhaust ports cast integral with the cylinder block communicating with the exhaust valves on certain of the cylinders of the engine. Said exhaust ports form a branch of the respective exhaust manifolds attached to the outer Wall of the cylinder block on both the right hand and the left hand side of the engine. The arrangement is such as to cause a portion of the burnt or exhaust gases to be directed through the said ports I13 and I14, into ports HI and I12 and through the passageway I16, to produce alternating surges of such burnt or exhaust gas currents. In this way the region surrounding the auxiliary venturis I and I26 will be preheated during the operation of the'motor. The dissipation of heat through the walls of the said throttle body unit II1, (Figures 4 and 5), entering the combustible intake mixture, assists the atomization and the gasification of the fuel and is conducive to smoother running especially at idling and part throttle operation. It is, however, to be understood that this exhaust heat jacket or heat bridge so called, can be dispensed with by merely plugging up the ports HI and 112 or by providing valves for-either manually or automatically controlling theflow of exhaust gases through said ports I13 and I14.

The casing II1 also is adapted to contain therein the anterior throttle valves I15 and I16, these being positioned between the discharge ends of the multiple Venturi gasifier and the intake manifold. These throttles are mounted off-center on shaft I11 extending through the body of the casing, the shaft being operatively connected to the accelerator pedal in a manner to be hereinafter described.

The throttle valves I15 and I16 are normally maintained in a closed position by the spring I83 operatively associated with the accelerator pedal I84 and the accelerator link I85 connected in known manner, through suitable linkage I86 extending through the intake manifold casing, to the rod 2M joined to the throttle valve lever 2I5 (Figures 21 and 22) Affixed to the throttle valve shaft I11 is the disc 2I6 containing thereon the lug M1; and rotatably mounted over shaft I11 is the terminal end 2E8 of the lever 2I5- containing thereon a stop 2I9 abuttable with lug 2 I 1.

Normally, as aforesaid, the throttle Valves are.

in their closed positions under the influence of spring I83. Whenthe engine suction causes an opening of the unbalanced throttle valves I15 and I16; due to the pressure difierential on opposite sides thereof, the disc will rotate in a clockwise direction (Figure 22) until the lug 2I1 encounters the stop 2I9, beyond which the valves cannot be opened. The position of the stop 2I9 is obviously controlled by the position of the accelerator pedal I84, a depressing thereof resulting in a movement of the link I and rod M4 in the direction of the arrows (Figure 21) to cause a rotation of the lever 2I5 in a clockwise direction,-or in a direction away from the normal position of the stop 2I1. Hence when the pedal is pressed down for more gas, all that is done is to draw the stop 2I9 away from the lug 2I1, thereby permitting the throttle valves to open by the engine suction to a point controlled by the action of the accelerator pedal.

There is thus no direct opening effort exerted by the pedal. But the operator has, nevertheless-complete control for the closing of the valves, inasmuch as a release of the pedal I84 under the influence of spring I83 will cause a counterclockwise movement of the lever 2I5, thereby forcing the lug 2I1 (with which it is in engagement) to move with it to produce a closing rotation of the throttlevalves. V In this manner the opening of the throttle valves is taken out of the manual control of the operator, the valves being opened, through the depression in the intake manifold system, entirely by the suction of the motor. This automatic control of the offset axis throttle valves prevents the sudden drop in depressions in the intake manifolds, thus assisting the carbureting system to charge each respective cylinder with the proper amount of combustible mixture, thus tending to eliminate detonation or pinging.

In order to dampen out all fluttering of the sensitive anterior throttle valves I15 and I16 due to engine pulsations, I employ the liquid dash pot device I18. Attached to the shaft. I11 is the arm 220, and pivotally detached to the outer end thereof is the link 22I. Pivotally attached at 222 of the link is the piston 223 containing therein a hollOw chamber 224 open at the bot tom and provided therein with the disc-like valve 225. The upper peripheral edge 226 of this valve,

is" bevelled forengagement with thecorrespond: ingl bevelled upper portion 22"! of theihterior of chamber 224"; The valve 225 contains the peripheral vertical" slots 2 28a intersectingthe hvlled annular peripheial ed'ge 226'; and the piston-is provided with" a plurality of radial-1y ex tending channels 2% communicating between the ripper p'crtioiiof the istoaenw the wall 23!!- at the cylinder 231'. And pbsltibhd Within" a suitable anniu'ar groove in the lower portion ofthe wall of the pistonicl'iamber 22:4 the lo'cl ring 232' forming a lower seat for thevalve'z'zs.

c linde 2st is" filled with ail-y suitable nine; tech es a1e6 1o1, on at mercury, prere atly up to" le e 233' atove the lever of the channels .228. Upon; an openirig movement of the valves we and I'IG the pistes rod and piston will be urged nbwnwardiyj, This tastes the valve 225 'to'be' elevat d by the fluid pie'ssere until-the bev: lell'd edge 22s h ef'ep is seated ag'ainst tue' wa11 r221 to s iipietelg shut ir channels 22 a from communication through" the intent: of the pie: :to'n with the interior of the ylinder', th;1ip- Ward movement of valve forcing out any air at :rhi'glit be' trapped in the upher part of cha ber 1224 Upon the c'c'i'ntiffud'ddwhward mov'rrieflt {if the pistoh; the fluid from'the cylinder will be :forcd upwardly through the relatively entail :space between the was 230' ans the they of the piston ,+an'd then through state 229' tooverli :and submerge the top 235 of the piston"; the 6 7- Ili'irdrical wall 2-30 keeping the fluid cbhfiifd :in the vessel; It is thus seen that an opening terrtfttsn the throttle valves is iesistea by the :nient is permitted due to the upward 'fndv'rhitfit (of the cylindrical eel-tine of 1 mm When a closing movement is i'rhparlzd to throttle valves I aridlit,- the a'i'ni- 22s,; R :22I and 'tli piston will be elevated; is occurs, the Valve 25 '1' be mites down eats ersmtnt thes V v v I I I The niain air valve 99 at the entrance to the maid ga'sifying system is also noiin ny yi u ably kept closed, and eteraue-uhaei the in a eri s of t e engine siiction. I pr efer to em- 1 til; in asspciatit in wjth valve 99 an air dash t evice 205 controlled by the depression are e in the iitixing riamberpr Venturi con systema description ti this device to be beret-hatter ei eii. v I p The fuel inlet'ineai'is provided'at the entrance 176 the has mixing the-rater is associated with {the meterin bio-ck a hd is fed by a lilalfl -fde1 line in, as aforesaid; W This communicates 1 a which in turn communicate with the two 1n ih let Yenturinozzles "I013through th chan is Ilse. Positioned within said assag ways fa e the ineteriirg pins 'I9I which control the {a -ouht of fuel drawn into the Venturi nozzles ugh the medium of the needle valve termi' I92 and the valve seats I93 The said mepit he seemed to and Suspended from t, 4 i a .l hedges l-es evenying the lifting lever I9'I fixedly etti g effect the sparing 1 through channel I08 with the passageways "94, which "contain -overfhangii'ig v n h U have relatively little fiect oh pis t'onfll, so that niouiited' upon metering shaft I96. The ineter= ifig' pinsare' threaded into the said lift blocks so that they can be properly adjustably posi= tidried within the passageways I89, and once set, they will be held against displacement by the lock nuts 2031 The metering pin springs 201, preferably held in proper position by the bosses 298' and upper terminals of the metering pins, are illustrated as being in abutment with said lock nuts' to no'r'mally urge the metering pins irito their lowermost positions, whereby predetermined minimum amounts of fuel will be delivered to" the nozzles I03, in accordance with the specific design and operating requirements.

Also" fiiiedly attached to said shaft I96 is the roller lever arm 209; the outer terminal end of which contains the roller 2I0' normally kept in engagement, under the influence of springs 201, with the cam 2II fixedly secured to the shaft 212- of the air valve 99. The air valve is com nected" through lever 2I3; also mounted on shaft 2I2'; to the" dash pot 205, which normally keeps the air valve in its closed position, as will more leariy hereinafter appear.

Iii the operation of the ab'ove=describ'edmeterin'g device, it is apparent that the amount of liquid fuel drawn into the main multiple-Venturi system through nozzles I03 is dependent upon the position of the air valve 99, inasmuch as an opening movement (counter-clockwise in Figwe 29) of the valve will cause a corresponding rotation of the cam 2! I, roller arm 209 and lift lever I95. And upon anupward movement of lever I91; the lift blocks I 94 and the metering pins I 9| will be correspondingly lifted, against the action of springs 201-, to admit more fuel through the channels I into the nozzles I03. The valve 99 being, as aforesaid, mounted'offcenter, it will be opened, against the action of the dash p'ot device 205, by the engine suction. Hence the arrangement is such as to provide for an automatic control of the main liquid fuel supply accordance with engine demands, the amount of liquid fuel admitted being in that. proportion to the air admitted through valve 99 as is determined by the design and contour of the cam 2I I; and the construction of the dash 'p'dt device 205, which will now be determined.

For best and most efficient results it is desirable that there be provided greater resistance to the operative opening effort exerted upon the air valve '99 at low speeds than at high speeds, and that this resistance be decreased as the engine develops great power and speed so that propertioii'ately mere air will be admitted to the mixing chamber. This is eft'ecttiated by the dash pot "device 205 which contains the cylinder 240 and the piston 24I connected by link 242 to arm 2I3 affixed to the air valve shaft 2I2. The spring 243 within the cylinder normally urges the piston upwardly andth'e'air valve 99 into its closed -.pos ition. Extending from the bottom of the cylinder "2140 isthe tube 244 which communicates with the interior of the casing 95housing the main venturis which receive and conduct the air and-fuel mixture. Thus the depression within lacunae 95 caused by the engine suction is coininiini'c'atedthiough tube '24 to the interior of dash pot cylinder 240 to pull the piston 2'4I down and consequently help to open valve 99 against the action of spring 243. Hence at lo'w 'fsp'eeds, when the depression within casing 95 is low, Owing to the free how of air through the secondary venturis I 03, the engine suction will under'these conditions comparatively little air will be admitted through valve 99. But as the power and speed of the engine increases, the throats in venturis I93 become inadequate to supply the increased demand for air, hence the depression within the housing 95 will be correspondingly increased, causing a greater opening of the valve 99 for the admission of more air into the mixing chamber.

cooperatively associated with dash pot 205 is the fluid dash pot device 259 connected through link 25l and arm 252 to the air valve shaft H2. The arm 252 is afiixed to shaft 2l2 and together with arm 2l3 forms a beam member adapted to reciprocatingly actuate the pistons 2M and 253 in opposite directions. Although the cylinders 24!) and 254 are illustrated as being separate units, it is of course understood that they can be combined in a single unitary structure. The said piston 253 contains a vertical passageway 255 therein extending to the bottom surface'thereof, the passageway containing a ball check valve 256 for permitting an upward flow of fluid'through the passageway, and preventing a downward flow therethrough in well known manner.

Normally when the air valve 99 is closed, the piston 24! is in its uppermost and the piston 253 in its lowermost position,-the cylinder 254 containing therein a selected liquid. When the valve 99 is operatively opened and the piston 2M lowered, the piston 253 will be caused to rise against atmospheric air pressure, creating a vacuum underneath the piston and gradually drawing down the fluid along the peripheral space 258. This action obviously has a retarding infiuence upon the opening of valve 99, thereby not only preventing a fluttering of the valve, but also serving to maintain a sustained pull on the main fuel nozzles, as will more clearly hereinafter appear. During the upward movement of piston 253, the check 256 will obviously close the passageway 255, whereas during the down stroke of piston 253 the 'ball check will move out of its obstructing position to permit the upward flow of the fluid through the passageway. Thus dash pot 250 also serves to provide greater resistance to the opening of the air valve then to its closing, and is a valuable adjunct to dash pot 295 whose eifectiveness in restraining the opening of valve 99 decreases with engine suction which is communicated to cylinder 249 through tube 244, as aforesaid.

The action above described is of considerable importance in fuel lift devices, particularly of the type employed in the engine construction forming the subject matter of this invention where accelerator pumps are neither employed nor considered desirable. If the retarded action of the air valve 99 were not to take place, an opening of the main throttle valves would cause a decrease in the depression in the main Venturi mixing chamber, with a consequent decrease in the suction pull exerted on the main fuel supply nozzles,--a condition which would be aggravated by the production of a lean mixture caused by the inrush of the air through inlet 99. But with the retarding influence upon air valve 99 by the mechanism above described, suficient depression is maintained in the mixing chamber during acceleration to uninterruptedly draw the fuel from the main fuel nozzles.

It is thus apparent that by the structure and method of my invention as hereinabove described, the air required for combustion within the cylinders of the engine is so treated, heated, apportioned, distributed and conveyed as. to:enable it to perform manifold functions. The air is drawn in from the atmosphere through an air cleaner of novel design whereby the air is cleansed by a device devoid'of the disadvantages inherent in conventional structures, as hereinabove set forth; The distribution of the air initially drawn in is so effected as to .be conducive to the maintenance of substantially uniform and relatively cool temperatures throughout the extent ofthe intake manifold, for uniform conditions and high volu metric efficiencies. A portion of the cleansed "air is immediately directed into the gasifying system for thorough interpenetration with the vaporized fuel stream, andanother portion of the air is diverted through the cylinder heads of the engine and the exhaust manifolds to absorb the heat therefrom, whereby such sensible-heat as is "ab sorbed is subsequently employed for gasification, fuel-lift purposes, to enhance the thermal ef ficiency of the engine, as well as to effectuate .a quick starting thereof under adverseconditions. The arrangement is such as to enable a wide range of fuels, from heavy'solvents to light hydrocarbons, to be effectively gasifie'd,-a result hardly possible with any known system of car-; buretion. And by maintaining an efiective and substantially unobstructed circulation of relatively cool air over the intake manifold and main gasifying' system, the likelihood of"vapor-lo'ck is practically eliminated regardless of atmospheric conditions. And it is to be further observed that by employing some of the preheated air for producing an emulsified charge of fuel admixed with the preheated charge-of air directed through the primary starting and idling venturis, the richness of the fuel mixture for such purposes can be readily controlled without restricting the air charge, as is necessary with conventional choke controls; and also by such means is the danger from the formation of ice on carburetor parts entirely obviated.

Although my invention as above described is illustrated in the drawings as being specifically applied to a Ford V-8 engine, it is of course understood that it is equally adaptable for use with other types of internal combustion engines. It is also understood that other additional forms and modifications of the apparatus and adaptations of the method constituting this invention can be employed beyond and in addition to those hereinabove described, all within the scope of the appended claims.

What I claim is:

1. In an internal combustionengine having a longitudinally extending bank of cylinders, a cylinder head unit containing a plurality of laterally enclosed air passageways extending above the combustion chambers of the engine and transversely with respect to said longitudinal bank of cylinders, and heat radiating ribs extending into said passageways from the walls thereof adjacent the respective combustion chambers.

2'. In an internal combustion engine, a cylinder head unit containing a laterally enclosed air passageway extending above and transversely across the combustion chamber of the engine, the intermediate portion of said passageway being of relatively large proportions to provide a low velocity zone for the air coursing therethrough.

3. In an internal combustion engine, a cylinder head unit adapted for operative use with a multicylindered engine, containing an air inlet, an air outlet, and a plurality of laterally enclosed air passageways each extending above and transersely across the combustion chamber .of one cylinder of the engine (and communicating between said inlet and outlet. 7

4. In an internal combustion engine, a cylinder head unit according to claim 3, further provided with ducts extending longitudinally of the and communicating between said transverse passageways and said air inlet and air outlet respectively.

5. In an internal combustion engine, a cylinder head unit adapted for operating use with a multicylindered engine containing a plurality of laterally enclosed .air passageways extending above and transversely across the combustion chambers of the engine, and laterally enclosed water passageways adjacent said air passageways and havingportions thereof disposed above said combustion chambers.

6. in an internal combustion engine, acylinder head unit adapted for operating use with a multicylindened engine, containing a plurality of laterally enclosed air passageways extending above and transversely aoross'the combustion chambers of the engine, and oppositely disposed air inlet and outlet means communicating with said air passageways and positioned substantially along the medial portions of said unit.

57. In an internal combustion engine, a cylinder head unit adapted for operating use with a multicylindered engine, containing a plurality of laterally enclosed air passageways extending above and transversely across the combustion chambers of the engine, heat radiating ribs within said passageways and disposed substantially longitudinally thereof to provide longitudinal paths for the air flowing therethrough, the intermediate portions of each of said passageways being of expanded proportions to provide low velocity zones for said air.

8. .In an internal combustion engine, a cylinder head unit adaptedfor operating use with a multicylindered engine, containing a plurality of laterally enclosed air passageways extending above and transversely across the combustion chambers of the engine, heat radiating ribs within said passageways and disposed substantially longitudinally thereof to provide longitudinal paths for the air flowing therethrough, the intermediate portions of each of said passageways being of expanded proportions to provide low velocity zones for said air, laterally enclosed water passageways adjacent said air passageways and having portions thereof disposed above said combustion chambers, oppositely disposed air inlet and outlet means positioned substantially along the medial portions of said unit, and duo-ts extending longitudinally along said and disposed between said air passageways andsa-id inlet and outlet means respectively OTIS C. 

